Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Sports Performance Enhancement: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to review the literature regarding the relationship between spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and sports performance. MethodsPubMed and Embase databases were searched for original studies published up to July 2016. Inclusion criteria were if SMT has been applied to athletes and if any sports performance–related outcome was measured. ResultsOf the 581 potential studies, 7 clinical trials were selected. Most studies had adequate quality (≥6/11) when assessed by the PEDro scale. None of those studies assessed performance at an event or competition. Four studies revealed improvement in a sports performance test after SMT. Meta-analysis could not be performed because of the wide differences in methodologies, design, and outcomes measured. Spinal manipulative therapy influences a wide range of neurophysiological parameters that could be associated with sports performance. Of the 3 studies where SMT did not improve test performance, 2 used SMT not for therapeutic correction of a dysfunctional vertebral joint but to an arbitrary previously set joint. ConclusionsAlthough 4 of 7 studies showed that SMT improved sports performance tests, the evidence is still weak to support its use. Spinal manipulative therapy may be a promising approach for performance enhancement that should be investigated with more consistent methodologic designs.